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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Slept With Contact, Have A Blood Shot Red Eye, Hurts When Bright Light Hit Eye. Suggestion?

So as of 2 days my right eye has been acting up. This morning when i woke up my eye was bloodshot red. I figured it was because I slept in my contacts most of the time. I took them out and started using my glasses again. The redness, has went down a little But ever time bright lights hit my eye it hurts. Especiallyy driving at nighttime the on coming headlights. What s wrong with my eye?
Mon, 25 Feb 2013
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Ophthalmologist 's  Response
Most contact lenses prescribed for correction of refractive error are not meant to be used while sleeping. There are just a few kinds that may be used but those are generally for specific diseases and the prescribing ophthalmologist informs the patient if that is the case. in your situation, the redness and glare you are experiencing is due to extended wear of regular kinds of lenses. The cornea has not had enough oxygen throughout the night and and hence it is now oedematous or swollen and not the crystal clear tissue it ought to be. There may also be a destruction of the epithelium or covering of the cornea which is responsible for the redness and intense glare in light. Fortunately, a single episode , most often , clears with treatment. You have to use lubricating eye drops like Refresh tears or a stronger gel version like Refresh liquigel in the right eye 4 times a day. Also, if there is corneal oedema, a hyperosmotic drop like Hypersol eye drops also with the same frequency helps. Use a lubricating eye ointment at bedtime for a few days as well. Do not use your contact lens for a couple of days. That's how long the problem takes to resolve. If vision deteriorates or redness increases, visit your ophthalmologist. However, if all abates, as it usually does, resume use of lenses as usual but refrain from ever wearing lenses while sleeping to prevent a recurrence of a similar episode.
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Ophthalmologist Dr. Ajay Shankar Kar's  Response
Dear Katily,Hi, From your history I can only say that you are suffering from CLARE or contact lens induced acute red eye.It basically happens in extended wear hydrogen CL It is an inflammatory reaction due to reaction against antigen of gram negative organism. The conjunctiva is red with some congestion. There my be subepithelial infiyrate because of which you may get photophobia.first thong is go and show an ophthalmologist .Second start on antibiotic drop 6 tomes a day along with tear substitute .Donot use steroid eye drops unless prescribed by a doctor .Don't use overnight wear lens.Use more gas permeable lens.Till your signs and symptoms subside use glasses for correction of vision.If your redness and pain is not going next two days show your nearest ophthalmologist...:TC...dr Ajay Shankar Kar
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Slept With Contact, Have A Blood Shot Red Eye, Hurts When Bright Light Hit Eye. Suggestion?

Most contact lenses prescribed for correction of refractive error are not meant to be used while sleeping. There are just a few kinds that may be used but those are generally for specific diseases and the prescribing ophthalmologist informs the patient if that is the case. in your situation, the redness and glare you are experiencing is due to extended wear of regular kinds of lenses. The cornea has not had enough oxygen throughout the night and and hence it is now oedematous or swollen and not the crystal clear tissue it ought to be. There may also be a destruction of the epithelium or covering of the cornea which is responsible for the redness and intense glare in light. Fortunately, a single episode , most often , clears with treatment. You have to use lubricating eye drops like Refresh tears or a stronger gel version like Refresh liquigel in the right eye 4 times a day. Also, if there is corneal oedema, a hyperosmotic drop like Hypersol eye drops also with the same frequency helps. Use a lubricating eye ointment at bedtime for a few days as well. Do not use your contact lens for a couple of days. That s how long the problem takes to resolve. If vision deteriorates or redness increases, visit your ophthalmologist. However, if all abates, as it usually does, resume use of lenses as usual but refrain from ever wearing lenses while sleeping to prevent a recurrence of a similar episode.